A super-pangenome was constructed to represent the entire watermelon gene repertoire, uncovering several disease resistance genes that are present in wild watermelons while completely lost in watermelon cultivars.
Featured Articles
The CucCAP website features recently published articles from the four crop teams, (Cucumber, Melon, Squash, and Watermelon) and the Bioinformatics, Breeding, & Genomics group. Integtated crop and disease management activities, articles and reports are also featured.
CucCAP scientists find high prevalence of gummy stem blight resistance to common fungicides
The gummy stem blight fungus, Stagonosporopsis citrulli, is now resistant to fungicides in four chemical classes. The newest resistance is to fungicides in FRAC Code 3.
CucCAP scientists perform genome-wide association study to identify resistances to Pseudomonas leaf spot in watermelon
Citrullus amarus was screened for resistance to Pseudomonas leaf spot. Genetic markers associated with resistance to P. syringae and other diseases were identified. The results will facilitate breeding for resistance to PLS in watermelon.
CucCAP scientists identify gene for short-vining cucumber plants
The compact (cp) phenotype in cucumber is an important plant architecture-related trait with potential for breeding short-vining cucumber plants for high density planting and mechanized harvest.
CucCAP scientists use multiplex system to monitor virus threats to melon crops in California and Arizona
The Wintermantel team developed a multiplex single-step RT-PCR method to simultaneously test and differentiate among the among different viruses. Sampling of melon production regions in California and Arizona found that different combinations of viruses were dominant in fall vs. spring seasons, providing important information for disease management in areas impacted by cucurbit yellowing viruses.
CucCAP scientists genetically characterize the USDA germplasm collections for squashes and pumpkins
This article presents the analysis of genotype data generated through genotyping-by-sequencing of the USDA germplasm collections of Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata, and C. maxima.
CucCAP researchers find that different downy mildew populations have different types of fungicide resistance
Genetic analyses by the Quesada laboratory at NC State found that different clades of P. cubensis vary for the predominant mutations conferring resistance. These findings of clade-specific resistances can facilitate the design of more effective fungicide programs tailored to crop and region.
Improved detection methods for CDM
CucCAP researchers develop improved detection methods for downy mildews infecting cucurbit crops. Management of cucurbit downy mildew relies on an intensive fungicide program. Timely alerts of appearance of sporangia can help growers to determine need to initiate fungicide sprays. Research by CucCAP scientists developed improved ability to detect airborne sporangia and distinguish among types that infect different kinds of crops. This improved methodology could be used as part of an advisory system to time fungicide applications to protect cucurbit crops.